DMK rules out support to NDA, TRS keeps options open

New Delhi: Amid Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) readiness to welcome new allies, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) has kept its options open on support even as Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) ruled out backing Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government because of the ‘stigma’ of 2002 riots.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Rashid Alvi came up with a new suggestion that regional secular parties should come together under the leadership of Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee to keep BJP out of power.

A day after Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) made clear that their options are open on the issue of support, TRS, a major party of the newly-formed Telangana state, gave similar indications.

"As a new state (Telangana) has come into being, we would want the union government to be extremely supportive of Telangana. What will happen tomorrow, we don't know. I cannot answer hypothetical questions," K T Rama Rao, senior TRS leader and son of party chief K Chandrashekhar Rao said.

He was responding when referred to some reports that TRS may not back NDA.

"The Parliamentary and Legislative Committee of the party will take a decision on the issue (of support) at 12 pm a day after tomorrow," Rao added.

DMK, on the other hand, was categorical in ruling out support to Modi-led government.

"We have minorities on our side and Modi has the stigma of 2002 riots. Hence, we cannot support NDA keeping in view our interest in our state," party spokesperson TKS Elangovan said.

He added that supporting Modi would be a "tough decision" for DMK as it wants to back only a "secular government" at the Centre.

On the eve of the Lok Sabha election results, Alvi admitted that it may be difficult for Congress to form the government.

He said that the regional secular parties should come together and elect West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as the leader to keep BJP out of power.

"It may be difficult for us to form the government, but all secular forces should come together to keep Narendra Modi away from power. I suggest that regional parties should elect Mamata Banerjee, who is secualr, competent and honest beyond doubt, as their leader," the Congress leader said.

"Congress party will never hesitate to form a secular government," he added.

Refusing to believe in exit polls which have predicted poor show for Congress, Alvi said, "The truth will come out tomorrow."

On who should take the responsibility if his party performs badly, he said, "Whether the Congress conquers the electoral battle or loses it, we all shall be responsible for the credit or discredit. It will be injustice for anyone to only blame the leadership of Congress."